The quarterly survey measures Americans’ sentiments on economic and public policies. It was conducted by landline and cellphone Sept. 15-19 with a sample of 1,055 likely voters.

The survey provides compelling insight into American public opinion regarding the economy, upward mobility and the government’s role as it relates to individual opportunity. While 76 percent report that they have been able to “get ahead” financially over the course of their lives, only 56 percent think that most Americans are able to get ahead.

“There is a very strong belief in their autonomous self-industry,” said Edward Reilly, a lead researcher on the poll and chief executive of FTI Consulting.

This restrained optimism is also accompanied by diminished expectations. The definition of what it means to “get ahead” also appears to be shifting. Fifty-one percent now define success as holding a job, paying bills, avoiding debt and saving a little for the future, versus defining it as steady income increases, buying a home or investing more year-over-year.

“It’s a very logical and rational response to a long-term downturn,” said Joan Walker, researcher and executive vice president of corporate relations for Allstate.

Asked whether the country is better off because President Barack Obama won in 2008, 47 percent said it is better with Obama, while 40 percent believe it would have been better if someone else had won. That is a significant increase over the 41-41 percent split in the December 2011 poll.

The survey’s results show a significant difference between the sentiments of America’s demographic groups.

African-Americans, Latinos and young adults age 18-29 are the most optimistic groups about the economy and personal finances, while whites and the elderly are the most pessimistic.

“The changing racial mix is really changing the bottom line of American public opinion,” Reilly said.

The poll was released at a downtown Denver event attended by political analysts, Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper and U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette, D-Colo., all of whom offered their insights. Ronald Brownstein of National Journal and Steve Clemons of The Atlantic moderated the political discussion.

Analysts agreed that the poll suggests a sobered American public that has an increasing optimism but that has become more pragmatic and is wanting sensible solutions from the candidates.

“You need to speak to the optimism that is at the core of the middle class,” Reilly said. “When they hear the candidates talking about ‘the middle class,’ they hear them talking about other people, not them.”

When Americans are asked what they associate with the idea of getting ahead, more are likely to relate the progress they’ve made within their own life rather than comparing their progress to their parents.

Getting Ahead Definitions:

57 percent – “doing better than you did in previous years”

24 percent – “doing better than their parents”

9 percent – “doing better than other Americans”

4 percent – “doing better than close associates like friends, neighbors, and co-workers”

Kristen Leigh Painter was a former business reporter who focused on airlines and aerospace coverage. She joined The Post in September 2011 and departed for the Minneapolis Star-Tribune in August 2014. She graduated from the University of Colorado Boulder with a master's in journalism after earning a bachelor's in history from the University of Wisconsin La Crosse.

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